What is an American elderberry?

The American elderberry, or Sambucus canadensis, is a fruit-bearing shrub that grows wild on roadsides and in fields and forests. Its edible elderberry fruit is prized for its antioxidant and vitamin content and is used therapeutically to treat the cold and flu.

The American elderberry shrub grows between 10 and 12 feet tall. Of American elderberry shrubs, there are several different varieties, including those that have been bred for increased fruit production. Fruit from American elderberry trees is harvested from August through September. A full grown American elderberry shrub can produce up to 15 pounds of fruit annually when proper care is administered.